Cinema Classroom at the Avalon- Fall
A free program for 6th-12th grade classes, Cinema Classroom at the Avalon engages students in critical issues through screenings and expert-guided discussions.
Here at the Avalon Theatre, we are excited to engage DC students in critical issues through screenings and guided discussions. We invite DC educators to register for our Fall 2025 Cinema Classroom program, an offering of curated films and educational experiences that focus on pressing human rights and social justice issues.
If you are not already on our Cinema Classroom email list, we strongly recommend you sign up for updates.
2025-2026 Programs:
Cinema Classroom offers the following free programming to schools and students, grades 6-12:
Programs begin at 10:00am and run approximately 2 1/2 hours.
- Space is limited—advanced registration is required.
- Our FREE, in-theater programming welcomes 6th through 12th grade students.
- Register early to take advantage of our limited budget for free transportation.
- We offer expanded curriculum linked to DCPS standards in advance of each screening.
- Each film program includes a short introduction to film literacy and both pre-and post-screening workshops.
- As scheduling allows, each screening is followed by an expert-led discussion.
- Healthy snacks are provided.
Download a PDF brochure of our 2025-2026 programs.
Tell Them We Are Rising
September 8, 2025
Guest speaker Victorious Hall- HBCU Alum
(Special Grade-Level Event)
America’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities which began before the end of slavery, flourished in the 20th century and profoundly influenced the course of the nation for over 150 years–yet largely remain unknown. In this important and engaging film, the rich history and powerful story of the rise, influence, and evolution of HBCUs comes to life. Documentary Running time: 85 min. View Trailer.
The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler
Oct 14, 2025 Oct 15, 2025
Guest speaker Dora Klayman – Holocaust Survivor
THE COURAGEOUS HEART OF IRENA SENDLER tells the story of one of the most remarkable and most unlikely heroes of World War II, a young woman who saved 2500 Jewish children during the German occupation of Poland. Documentary Running Time: 95 min. View Trailer.
Inocente
November 4, 2025
Guest speaker Inocente Izucar – Film Star
A 2013 Oscar Winner, INOCENTE is an intensely personal documentary about a young artist’s determination never to surrender to the bleakness of her surroundings. At 15, Inocente refuses to let her dream of becoming an artist be caged by her life as an undocumented immigrant forced to live homeless for the last nine years. Documentary Running Time: 40 min. View Trailer.
Chasing Coral
December 1, 2025
Guest speaker John Hocevar – Marine Biologist
Coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. In CHASING CORAL, divers, photographers, and scientists set out on an ocean adventure to discover why the reefs are disappearing and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world. Documentary Running Time: 93 min. View Trailer.
Teacher Praise for Cinema Classroom:
“The materials were rich and easy to adapt to our needs. My students talked about the film and Dr. Smith for days. I am so grateful to the Avalon Theatre for helping reinvigorate my 8th graders.” — Hardy Middle School (Soundtrack for a Revolution)
“Our 9th graders were thrilled and enamored. The film’s visuals were highly engaging and left a lasting impression. The biology team was also very impressed with the questions the students had for Mr. Hocevar, as well as his extensive experience in the field of marine biology.” — Capital City PCHS (Chasing Coral)
Contact us with any questions at 202-966-2149 or email filmeducation@theavalon.org.
This program was made possible, in part, through our membership with the DC Collaborative.
Cinema Classroom at the Avalon Program Partner:
Cinema Classroom at the Avalon Program Sponsors:
